This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
The Kissing Number by Louise Furley poses a haunting question: What if your family is determined to hurt you and ensure that you never succeed? Should one still hold on to love and loyalty, or walk away to survive? Colipatra Cassidy dreams of transforming the Victorian mansion she inherited into a guesthouse, but her troubled past makes this difficult. Someone close to her is bent on ensuring that Coli’s name is forever tied to guilt, no matter how hard she tries. Despite obstacles, she is determined to make a better future for her and her nephew. Sheriff Brogan is accustomed to women running toward him, not away. When he meets Coli, he is intrigued and drawn to protect her. Meanwhile, his work with the FBI to investigate illegal firearm trafficking soon leads to a series of deaths that may also be linked to Coli and her family. As danger and secrets swirl around Coli, Brogan is conflicted about whether the attraction between them is clouding his judgment.
In The Kissing Number, Louise Furley tackles a social reality often overlooked: how society treats individuals with felony records, especially those from their youth. Through Coli’s struggle to rebuild her life, the story highlights the stigma, barriers, and harsh judgment that ex-offenders face, even after serving their time and seeking a fresh start. I loved how deeply personal Coli’s struggle felt; her resilience in the face of betrayal, humiliation, and isolation made her incredibly relatable and inspiring. Additionally, the portrayal of family ties and their impact on a person’s identity, behavior, and character is evident in Coli’s story. Ultimately, in a thrilling narrative filled with suspense and romance, Kissing Number challenges us to reclaim our identity, even when those meant to love us become the ones we must survive. I recommend this story to readers drawn to stories about second chances, gripping investigations, and heartfelt romance.
